Papers
5
Total Citations
187
H-Index
3
About
Youhua Tan is a leading researcher in the intersection of robotics, optics, and cellular biomechanics. His work centers on developing automated robotic systems integrated with optical tweezers to precisely manipulate and characterize the mechanical properties of human cells—particularly red blood cells (RBCs). Tan’s major contributions include pioneering methods for robotic cell stretching and force-controlled manipulation, enabling quantitative measurement of cell mechanics under various physiological conditions. His most-cited paper (158 citations) demonstrates how robotic manipulation with optical tweezers can characterize human RBCs under different osmotic conditions, revealing critical links between cell mechanics and disease. This work highlights the importance of understanding how environmental factors like osmotic pressure alter cell stiffness and deformability—key indicators of disorders such as malaria, diabetes, and sickle cell disease. Tan has also advanced path planning and force analysis for trapped cells, improving the accuracy and efficiency of automated cell manipulation. His research bridges engineering and biomedicine, providing tools for high-throughput biomechanical characterization that could transform disease diagnosis and drug testing. Through his innovative integration of robotics and optical trapping, Tan has established a foundation for automated, noninvasive cell mechanics analysis with broad implications for human health.
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